The award-winning West Dean Gardens is offering a special Hello
Spring! gardens pass for a limited period to encourage everyone to
get outside into the Great Outdoors. From now until 1 June visitors
can watch spring unfold and make the most of unlimited visits to
explore the parkland to enjoy the displays of over 500,000
naturalised spring bulbs, mature tree collections and open spaces,
all set within the beautiful South Downs. In the Kitchen Garden new
plants are springing to life in the Victorian glasshouses. The two
and a half mile circular walk through the arboretum will improve
your fitness levels and give you breathtaking views over the West
Dean Estate and beyond. The pass is a great way to make the most of
spring and build a visit into your weekly routine.

The gardens pass is available to purchase from 23 March to 20
April at West Dean Gardens. At £17 the adult pass is valid for six
weeks from the date of purchase. Visit just twice and the pass will
pay for itself. Children's gardens entry is free all year
round.

West Dean is one of the most significant restored gardens open
to the public today. Creatively inspired by its rich heritage and
setting within the South Downs, the 92-acres are brimming with
features to enjoy including a 300-foot Edwardian pergola by Harold
Peto, a heritage fruit collection in the Walled Garden, St. Roche's
Arboretum, a Spring and Woodland Garden and an impressive
collection of 13 working Victorian glasshouses in the Kitchen
Garden.

"The glasshouses at West Dean are an inspirational model of how
best to use any greenhouse. They are a treasure for all gardeners."
Monty Don, writer, broadcaster, gardener and farmer.

Since 1991, in the wake of the Great Storms of 1987, husband and
wife team, Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain, have been revitalising the
19th century landscape. The gardens are internationally respected
for both the quality and variety of horticultural practice. A new
photographic exhibition 25 Years of Glorious Gardening will run
from next month until the end of the year in the restored 'Mushroom
Shed'. Entry is free with a gardens ticket.

Visitors to West Dean Gardens can also browse for unique gifts
and greetings cards in the Gardens Shop and enjoy home-cooked food
in the Visit England-endorsed Gardens Restaurant. Throughout the
year, on special 'fruit & veg days', the restaurant will be
showcasing the fruit and vegetables grown in the Kitchen Garden and
on 13 April home-grown rhubarb will feature on the menu.

Meet the gardeners - Summer Dining Series in the Gardens
Restaurant

An evening with Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain, Head Gardeners,
West Dean Gardens (22 April 2016).

FRIENDS OF WEST DEAN GARDENS
West Dean Gardens are an oasis of peace and beauty; inspiring and
tranquil. If you share a passion for gardens become a Friend of
West Dean Gardens. www.westdean.org.uk/friends.

SAVE THE GLASSHOUSES APPEAL

The nectarine and vinery house is in desperate need of
renovation. It will take £40,000 to complete a full restoration to
bring the glasshouse back to life and preserve it for the next 25
years and beyond. To donate online visit www.westdeangardens.org.uk/appeal.

Notes to editors

West Dean Gardens is part of The Edward James Foundation, a
charitable trust, which also includes West Dean College, West Dean
Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.

West Dean Gardens offer a programme of special events
throughout the year, including the award-winning Chilli Fiesta (5,
6 and 7 August). To book Early Bird tickets saving 20% on the
standard price visit www.westdean.org.uk/events.

Dogs are welcome at West Dean Gardens on a short lead.

All photographs are free to use for editorial purposes.

West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of
Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford,
Brighton and London.